Feathered projectile toy

ABSTRACT

A feathered projectile toy including a base having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the base being composed of stems of a plurality of feathers, a plurality of stacked elements disposed on the base with the longitudinal axis of the base extending through openings in each of the plurality of stacked elements, and a contact element disposed at the proximal end portion of the base that provides the feathered projectile toy with a striking surface.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/961,987, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to projectile toys, and in particular, to feathered projectile toys.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A feathered projectile toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises: a base having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a plurality of stacked elements disposed on the base with the longitudinal axis of the base extending through openings in each of the plurality of stacked elements; and a plurality of feathers extending from the distal end of the base.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of stacked elements are discs.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of stacked elements are curved discs.

In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of each of the plurality of stacked elements is between 30 mm and 40 mm.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of stacked elements has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of stacked elements has a height between 5 mm and 7 mm.

In an exemplary embodiment, the opening in each of the plurality of stacked elements has a diameter between 12 mm and 13 mm.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of stacked elements are made of plastic.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of stacked elements are made of polyvinyl chloride.

In an exemplary embodiment, the base is made of rubber.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of feathers are sewn together along their length.

In an exemplary embodiment, thread used to sew the plurality of feathers together is made of nylon.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of feathers has a height between 120 mm and 140 mm.

In an exemplary embodiment, the base has a height along its longitudinal axis, and the height is between 40 mm and 60 mm.

In an exemplary embodiment, the base is tube-shaped.

A feathered projectile toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises: a base having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the base being composed of stems of a plurality of feathers; a plurality of stacked elements disposed on the base with the longitudinal axis of the base extending through openings in each of the plurality of stacked elements; and a contact element disposed at the proximal end portion of the base that provides the feathered projectile toy with a striking surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of stacked elements are discs.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of the stacked elements comprise a plurality of first stacked elements and a plurality of second stacked elements, each of the plurality of first stacked elements comprising a single disc and each of the plurality of second stacked elements comprising at least two discs that are adhered together.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of stacked elements are curved discs.

In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of each of the plurality of stacked elements is between 30 mm and 40 mm.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of stacked elements are made of plastic.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of stacked elements are made of polyvinyl chloride.

In an exemplary embodiment, the stems of the plurality of feathers are attached together.

In an exemplary embodiment, the contact element is disc shaped.

In an exemplary embodiment, the stems of the plurality of feathers comprise portions that are bent outwards at the proximal end portion of the base.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bent portions of the stems are attached to the contact element.

In an exemplary embodiment, the feathered projectile toy further comprising threading that attaches the bent portion of the stems to the contact element.

Other features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood with reference to the following, detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a feathered projectile toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base of a feathered projectile toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a stacked element of a feathered projectile toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate flexing of stacked elements of a feathered projectile toy in flight according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a feathered projectile toy according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the feathered projectile toy of FIG. 5 with the disc elements removed; and

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the feathered projectile toy of FIG. 5 showing attachment of the feather stems to the contact element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a feathered projectile toy, generally designated by reference number 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The feathered projectile toy 1 includes a base 10 having a proximal end portion 14 and a distal end portion 16. A longitudinal axis 12 of the base 10 extended between the proximal end portion 14 and the distal end portion 16. The base 10 is shown having a generally tubular shape, but it should be appreciated that the base 10 may have any other suitable shape. A plurality of elements 20 are disposed on the base 10, and in particular the elements 20 are arranged in a stack-like manner along the longitudinal axis 12 of the base 10. The elements 20 are mounted on the base 10 so as to allow the elements 20 to freely rotate and move up and down relative to the base 10. A plurality of feathers 30 are held by and extend from the distal end portion 16 of the base 10. As explained in more detail below, when a user contacts the proximal end portion 14 of the base 10 with his foot or hand to propel the feathered projectile toy 1, forces exerted along the longitudinal axis 12 of the base 10 cause the base 10 to contract, which in turn causes the elements 20 to rotate and move in contact with one another along the base 10. In flight, the base 10 expands back to its original un-deformed state and the elements 20 spring back away from one another, thereby enhancing the flight distance of the feathered projectile toy 1.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base 10 of the feathered projectile toy 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The base 10 includes a proximal flange 15 disposed at the proximal end portion 14 and a distal flange 17 disposed at the distal end portion 16. The height of the base 10 may be, for example, within a range of 40 mm and 60 mm, and in an exemplary embodiment may be 50 mm. The proximal flange 15 may have a diameter of, for example, 35 mm, and the distal flange 17 may have a diameter of, for example, 15 mm, although other diameters are possible. The base 10 also includes an opening 18 through which the quills of the feathers 30 are inserted and held in place by, for example, adhesive. The base 10 is preferably made of a flexible material, such as, for example, rubber.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an element 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The element 20 may be in the shape of a curved disc with a central opening 22. The central opening 22 allows the disc 20 to be mounted on the base 10. The disc 20 may be made of a flexible material such as, for example, plastic, so that the disc 20 is able to generate a spring-force upon initial impact of a user's foot or hand on the base 20, thereby enhancing the flight of the feathered projectile toy 1. This is demonstrated most clearly in the diagram shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. As shown in FIG. 4A, the elements 20 in their initial state before impact are stacked on the base 10 in an accordion-like arrangement with their curved edges in alignment with one another. As shown in FIG. 4B, upon impact, the elements 20 are compressed together and flex towards a flattened state. The forced contact between the elements 20 may also result in a “cracking” or “snapping” sound, adding to the entertainment value of the feathered projectile toy 1. As shown in FIG. 4C, just after impact and as the feathered projectile toy 1 begins its flight, the elements 20 flex back to their initial curved state, thereby propelling the feathered projectile toy 1 through the air.

A preferred material used for the elements 20 is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In exemplary embodiments, the elements 20 may have a diameter within a range of 30 mm to 40 mm and a thickness within a range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, and the central openings 22 may have a diameter within a range of 12 mm to 13 mm. When placed on flat surface, the height of each element 20 may be within a range of 5 mm to 7 mm due to the curvature of the element 20.

In exemplary embodiments, the feathers 30 may be natural feathers, such as, for example, duck or goose feathers, or may be synthetic feathers, such as, for example, feathers made of silk and/or plastic. The number of feathers 30 used may be within a range of three to five, although any number of feathers may be selected. The height of each feather 30 may be in a range of 120 mm and 140 mm. The feathers 30 are preferably sewn or otherwise held together along their length to prevent the feathers 30 from separating during flight. If the feathers 30 are sewn together, the type of thread used may be, for example, nylon.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a feathered projectile toy, generally designated by reference number 100, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The feathered projectile toy 100 includes a number of feathers 100, with the stems 112 of the feathers being aligned with one another so as to form a base 114. For example, four feathers 100 may be used to form the toy 100, although any number may be used. The base 114 has a proximal end portion 116 and a distal end portion 118. A longitudinal axis of the base 114 extends between the proximal end portion 116 and the distal end portion 118. The stems 112 may be held together by securing elements 132, 134, which may be, for example, nylon strings or plastic ties.

A plurality of first elements 120 and a plurality of second elements 122 are disposed on the base 114, and in particular the elements 120, 122 are arranged in a stack-like manner along the longitudinal axis of the base 114. The elements 120, 122 are mounted on the base 114 so as to allow the elements 120, 122 to freely rotate and move up and down relative to the base 114. When a user contacts the proximal end portion 116 of the base 114 with his foot or hand to propel the feathered projectile toy 100, forces exerted along the longitudinal axis of the base 114 cause the base 114 to contract, which in turn causes the elements 120, 122 to rotate and move in contact with one another along the base 114. In flight, the base 114 expands back to its original un-deformed state and the elements 120, 122 spring back away from one another, thereby enhancing the flight distance of the feathered projectile toy 100.

As in the previous embodiment, the elements 120, 122 may be in the shape of a curved disc with a central opening. However, each of the plurality of second elements 122 may be made up of two or more of the discs stacked and held together by, for example, adhesive. It should be appreciated that the discs that make up each of the plurality of second elements 122 may not be adhered together, but instead may be simply disposed on the base 114 closer to one another as compared to the discs that make up other ones of the plurality of second elements 122. The elements 120, 122 may be arranged so that the plurality of second elements are disposed between the plurality of first elements. For example, one of the plurality of first elements may be disposed closest to the distal end portion 118 of the base 114 and another one of the plurality of first elements may be disposed closest to the proximal 116 end portion of the base 114.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the stem 112 of each feather 100 is bent outwards at the proximal end portion 116 of the base 114. The bent portions of the stems 112 may be fixed to a contact element 150. As shown, the contact element 150 may be disc shaped, although any other shape may be suitable, so as to provide the toy 100 with a striking surface. The bent portions of the stems 112 may be secured to the contact element 150 by, for example, threading that extends over the stems 112 and under the contact element 150 through holes in the contact element 150. The threading may be, for example, nylon string or a plastic tie.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A feathered projectile toy comprising: a base having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the base being composed of stems of a plurality of feathers; a plurality of stacked elements disposed on the base with the longitudinal axis of the base extending through openings in each of the plurality of stacked elements; and a contact element disposed at the proximal end portion of the base that provides the feathered projectile toy with a striking surface.
 2. The feathered projectile toy of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of stacked elements are discs.
 3. The feathered projectile of claim 1, wherein the plurality of the stacked elements comprise a plurality of first stacked elements and a plurality of second stacked elements, each of the plurality of first stacked elements comprising a single disc and each of the plurality of second stacked elements comprising at least two discs that are adhered together.
 4. The feathered projectile toy of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of stacked elements are curved discs.
 5. The feathered projectile toy of claim 4, wherein the diameter of each of the plurality of stacked elements is between 30 mm and 40 mm.
 6. The feathered projectile toy of claim 1, where the plurality of stacked elements are made of plastic.
 7. The feathered projectile toy of claim 6, wherein the plurality of stacked elements are made of polyvinyl chloride.
 8. The feathered projectile toy of claim 1, wherein the stems of the plurality of feathers are attached together.
 9. The feathered projectile toy of claim 1, wherein the contact element is disc shaped.
 10. The feathered projectile toy of claim 1, wherein the stems of the plurality of feathers comprise portions that are bent outwards at the proximal end portion of the base.
 11. The feathered projectile toy of claim 10, wherein the bent portions of the stems are attached to the contact element.
 12. The feathered projectile toy of claim 11, further comprising threading that attaches the bent portion of the stems to the contact element.
 13. A feathered projectile toy comprising: a base having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a plurality of stacked elements disposed on the base with the longitudinal axis of the base extending through openings in each of the plurality of stacked elements; and a plurality of feathers extending from the distal end of the base.
 14. The feathered projectile toy of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of stacked elements are discs.
 15. The feathered projectile toy of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of stacked elements are curved discs.
 16. The feathered projectile toy of claim 15, wherein the diameter of each of the plurality of stacked elements is between 30 mm and 40 mm.
 17. The feathered projectile toy of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of stacked elements has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.
 18. The feathered projectile toy of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of stacked elements has a height between 5 mm and 7 mm.
 19. The feathered projectile toy of claim 14, wherein the opening in each of the plurality of stacked elements has a diameter between 12 mm and 13 mm.
 20. The feathered projectile toy of claim 13, where the plurality of stacked elements are made of plastic. 